Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Q&A Interview and Giveaway with Lara Adrian

Lara Adrian Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are very proud to welcome the incredibly talented Lara Adrian to our sites today!

Lara has an ancestry that goes back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, but currently lives in New England with her husband, surrounded by centuries-old graveyards, hip urban comforts, and the endless inspiration of the Atlantic Ocean.

As a child, she used to sleep with the covers up to her chin, afraid she’d become the midnight snack of a deadly vampire. After discovering Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, she started to wonder if her fear wasn’t actually a secret desire to walk in a darker world, to live dangerously and live out her fantasies with a man of seductive, preternatural power!? The twining of the two – her fear and desire – are what fuel her fantasies today and what we see come alive in her writing.

Lara is the proud creator of the bestselling MIDNIGHT BREED series. The series currently consists of 10 installments and 1 novella:

“Kiss of Midnight”

“Kiss of Crimson”

“Midnight Awakening”

“Midnight Rising”

“Veil of Midnight"

“Ashes of Midnight”

“Shades of Midnight”

“Taken by Midnight”

“Deeper than Midnight”

“A Taste of Midnight” (the novella, story #9.5 of the series)

"Darker After Midnight” - just released yesterday, 1/24/12.

For those of you not yet familiar with Lara’s MIDNIGHT BREED series, we thought we’d give you some information about the series and the synopses of a few of the books to peak your interest. We highly recommend bumping them to the top of your TBR list ASAP if you haven't started them yet.

MIDNIGHT BREED Series

Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind for thousands of years, maintaining a tentative peace built on secrecy, power, and the dark justice carried out by the formidable warriors of The Order.

A blood war within the race is set to ignite, however, and vampires are going Rogue in startling numbers, feeding without discretion and killing humans in the streets. It is up to the Order to stop the spreading threat of Rogue domination—and in so doing, each of the warriors will be forced to confront private demons, darkest secrets, deepest fears. Some will know triumph, some will know loss, but each warrior can count on one thing: Love, when it finds him, will often come at the worst possible moment, with the least likely woman… and it will bring each of these powerful males to his knees.

“Kiss of Midnight”,

MIDNIGHT BREED Book #1:

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

“Midnight Awakening”,

MIDNIGHT BREED Book #3:

With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind, Darkhaven beauty Elise Chase prowls Boston’s streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using an extraordinary psychic gift, she tracks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift, and for that she can turn to only one man—the deadliest of the Breed warriors, Tegan.

No stranger to loss, Tegan knows Elise’s pain. He knows fury, but when he slays his enemies it is with ice in his veins. He is perfect in his self-control, until Elise seeks his aid in her personal war. An unholy alliance is forged—a bond that will link them by blood and vow—and plunge them into a tempest of danger, desire, and the darkest passions of the heart. . . .

“Veil of Midnight”,

MIDNIGHT BREEDBook #5:

Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest—and most erotic—place of all.

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

“Shades of Midnight”,

MIDNIGHT BREED Book #7:

In a frozen wilderness steeped in darkness, the lines between good and evil, lover and enemy, are never black or white but drawn in Shades of Midnight.

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt within herself but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear.

“Darker After Midnight”,

MIDNIGHT BREED Book #10:

Released 1/24/12

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order—a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike—to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach. But when his eyes meet those of Tavia Fairchild, a beautiful witness who identifies him at the scene of a mission gone terribly wrong, Chase finds himself drawn to the woman—and convinced she is something much more than she seems.

Pulled into a vortex of intrigue and danger she can neither resist nor understand, Tavia is uncertain whom to trust. And while everything sane and logical warns her against getting close to Chase, she cannot deny that the handsome, deeply haunted male stirs something primal and ravenous within her. But even as she surrenders to her cravings, nothing can prepare her for the shattering truth of who—and what—she truly is.

As the Order’s enemy mobilizes for the battle of the ages, Dragos and his Minions unleashing a hell on Earth like nothing ever seen before, Chase and Tavia are thrust into the heart of the violence. With time running out and the streets running red with the blood of innocent lives, both Breed and human, together Chase and Tavia must find a way to defeat Dragos once and for all—or die trying.

We know, it’s not nearly enough, and we STRONGLY suggest that all new readers check out the synopses for the entire series here http://www.laraadrian.com/series.php (just click on the cover art images) or at GoodReads. For now though, we'd really like to get to the interview to learn some more about the amazing author behind these fantastic books and hear some more about the series directly from her, so let's get to the Q&A shall we!?

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:Hi Lara!We’re so proud to have you here today, and are very excited to help you promote “Darker After Midnight” and the entire MIDNIGHT BREED series!

LARA: Hello! Thanks so much for inviting me to be part of your blogs today. I truly appreciate all the kind words about my books! Thank you for being so enthusiastic and supportive! <3 <3

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:We always like to start by getting to know our guest author a little bit better.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out easily on the Internet?

Q2):What are 3 things that never fail to make you smile, and 3 things that always piss you off?

LARA: Things that make me smile: 1) kindness in any form; 2) generosity of spirit; 3) the ocean. Things that piss me off: 1) disregard for others; 2) cruelty in any form; 3) abuse of power/authority

Q3):What are some of your hobbies and/or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?

LARA: My favorite hobby used to be writing, but now I have the privilege of doing it whenever I want to, so it’s hard to call it a hobby. Plus, deadlines? Ick. When I’m not working on author-related business, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my husband. We enjoy traveling (daytrips, road trips, more elaborate getaways when we can) and that’s becoming a hobby we share. I also love reading, of course!

Q4):If you could spend the day with any of your characters, who would you want to spend it with and what would you want to do?

LARA: Wow, that’s a tough question! I’m happily married, so that automatically removes a few interesting options…. So, excluding any of those ideas (ahem *g*) I suppose I’d most like to spend the day with Savannah. I’d love to have her Breedmate talent for psychometry! She and I would spend the day reading the history of random objects all around us.

Q5):What is a typical writing day like for you?Do you have a routine that you follow?Are there specific things that you have to have with you to get the creative juices flowing, etc?

LARA: Unless I’m taking a mental break or on vacation, my primary routine is that I make an effort to write every day. Some days, it’s only a page or two, other days it’s a chapter or two (or more). The more consistently I write, the easier it is and the more productive I become. I find that writing is like exercising a muscle: the more you use it, the more it pays you back. Although I listen to a lot of music while plotting and sketching out scenes, when I write, I need total silence (no distractions) to maintain my focus.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:O.K, now we’ll ask some questions directly related to books…J

Q6):Was there any specific inspiration that led to the creation of the MIDNIGHT BREED series?

LARA: I’ve always loved vampires and vampire mythology from the time I was a kid, but when I decided to write my own vampire romance, I wanted something living and breathing—something less creepy than the undead corpse of traditional lore. It was actually my husband who gave me the kernel of the idea to put an “otherworldly” spin on my vampires. As I was mapping out background detail, John jokingly said, “Maybe they’re aliens.” And just like that, the entire origin and current story world of the Breed bloomed into full focus in my imagination.

Q7):How many books do you have planned for the series?

LARA: The overarching, external plot of the series thus far will be resolved in DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT (Book 10). But at the same time, this resolution will spin the series in an exciting new direction with lots of new characters and conflicts that I can’t wait to explore. I’d been writing toward the events in DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT since around the time I began MIDNIGHT RISING (Book 4), hoping that I’d have the chance to take the series further—which I am! I’m contracted through Book 12 right now, and I hope to continue writing Midnight Breed stories for as long as I remain passionate about the characters and story world, and as long as readers are enjoying the ride.

Q8):Do you have a personal favorite book in the series so far; maybe one that has deeper meaning for you, etc?

LARA: I don’t have a personal favorite book or character, but probably the most significant to me is KISS OF MIDNIGHT because that was the first one—something I was dying to write after penning 7 medieval romances that won awards and got great reviews, but never reached enough readers to keep me in print. When I pitched KISS OF MIDNIGHT to my agent in mid-2005, it was only going to be a single novel. But she loved Lucan, Gabrielle and the Order so much, she asked me to expand my proposal into a three-book pitch. To my delight, a lot of editors loved the proposal too, and thanks to Lucan and the crew, the series went to auction with several publishers before I ultimately chose to sign with Bantam Dell. So, KISS OF MIDNIGHT quite literally changed my career and my life!

Q9):What’s next for Lara Adrian following “Darker After Midnight”?Can you share with us anything you might have in the works outside of the series?

LARA: I’m writing Mira’s book now (Book 11 of the series) and after that, I’ll be writing more Midnight Breed novels. I also plan to rerelease my medieval romances this year as indie ebooks (three of them are paranormals with shapeshifters and dark magic!) and if I have time left over in 2012, I have many more projects I’d love to work on. Nothing definite at the moment, as I’m pouring my total heart and soul into the Midnight Breed.

Please be sure to visit my website (www.LaraAdrian.com) and sign up for my newsletter to keep up to date on all of my new releases. You can also send away for free bookmarks and a signed bookplate when you subscribe! J

Q10):Is there anything that you’d like to tell us or say to your readers (both new and old) while we have you here today?

LARA: THANK YOU!! Really, I can’t say it often enough. I feel so blessed to be making my living doing something I absolutely love, and the icing on the cake is the wonderful readers and online communities I’ve met along the way. I never imagined my books would also introduce me to so many new friends and kindred spirits. Thank you for reading my books and for welcoming me and my characters and stories into your hearts. I’m grateful beyond words.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:Lara, thank you so much for being with us today!We’re VERY excited to help you promote “Darker After Midnight”.We hope that if there are any readers out there that haven’t tried your incredible series yet, we can introduce them to it today.We’d love to have you back for your next big release if you’d be interested!?

LARA: Of course, I’d be interested! I appreciate the invitation. And thanks again so much, Book Monster Reviews and Literal Addiction, for letting me stop in today for a visit! To everyone who picks up DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT this week, thank you – and I hope you enjoy the book!

LARA is graciously offering up an autographed DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT totebag, a MIDNIGHT BREED Pen, a set of MB Bookmarks and a signed copy of KISS OF MIDNIGHT (Book 1 of the series) to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and a winner from LITERAL ADDICTION (over on their site).

TO ENTER:

Make sure you are a member of the Book Monster Blog (by clicking on the “JOIN THIS SITE” button at the top left hand corner of blog page), and then post a comment on the interview with your email address.

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

I love Lara Adrian... At the moment I am reading through a few of the Midnight Breed series (I would have loved to read them all before reading Chase's book, but a friend of mine moved while borrowing the books she didn't have in the series). Right now I am re-reading and loving Tegan's book =)Thank you for the chance to win

So freaking awesome!!! I love your books. I've read then all but Deeper than Midnight (it's on the shelf) and the newest one. So happy the series is continuing past Chase's. I hope Elise plays a bigger role in this book than she has as a secondary character in some of the other ones. My only concern is about book 11. Mira is a child. How is she having a story? Unless, since the main plot line is ending with Chase's book, the series is jumping forward at least 10 years or so? I know there's no answer available to fans right now (right???) but I was just wondering. I don't see how it could be anything else. But who knows?!? Thanks for a great interview!

I am a GFC follower. I have not read anything by this author yet. I know! I know! It's crazy! But I just bought myself an iPad two months ago and have just gotten into the whole e-book craze. I would love to tru her out.srbagby 50 at gmail dot com

I love the Breed and Lara! She is pure awesome =) She had a fantastic idea with the breed and their breed mates and I've been a fan since the beginning. Thanks for posting about her and please count me in. I'd love a tote bag to show off. Awesome giveaway!Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

I love your series Lara! I have not downloaded your newest book but I will be VERY SOON!! I will be at AAD New Orleans and I can NOT wait to meet you!! I love love this whole series and would really hate for it to end!

OMG! I have been a fan of Lara's since the first book came out. I would love to have this package! Due to job loss ** sigh ** I haven't been able to pick up the new book, and I can't wait to read Chase's story, so count me in please! Thanks for the awesome giveaway. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

I have not read this series yet, but I have heard so many wonderful things. I have chosen the first five books to be a part of a paranormal reading challenge that I signed up for.That was an interesting review. I love learning the background of the books and a little about the author.

Thanks for the post and for the giveaway opportunity.sophiarose1816@gmail.com

Your series was the 2nd series I started reading after getting involved in paranormal romance. I was floored by the intensity of the characters and the creativity of the stories involved. Each book had me investing more of myself to the overall plite of the warriors and the battle they were fighting. I normally do not have time to re-read novels, but I have re-read several of yours because of how much I do like the stories. Thank you so much for the interview and I hope you continue to share your gift with us for many, many novels. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

I started borrowing them from the Library then got a couldn't wait because they were always Checked out so started ordering them from Double day then finally got a Kindle Yeah so happy now Thanks to Book Monster Reviews and LA they keep me in great reads. Love Midnight Breed Lilcrowgifts@aol.com

I absolutely 100% LOVE Lara Adrian & her Midnight Breed series. I have book 1-10 in ebook format. I've read each book multiple times. I just finished book 10 Darker After Midnight & it was amazing. Chase is 1 of my favorite characters & I was anxiously waiting for his story & I wasn't disappointed. Can't wait for Lara's next release & to anyone who hasn't read this series yet, you should, trust me you wont regret it. :)jewel4jay AT hotmail DOT com

I'm a total fan of Lara Adrian and her Midnight Breed warriors. I was so sad when I finally had found the last one and had read them all. So hard to wait between books now, but totally worth it. Loved the interview!purplefrog22@gmail.comLinda

Thanks for the great interview & giveaway! I can't wait to read book 11! I was directed towards the Midnight Breed series just a couple of years ago, but quickly fell in love with it! It is 1 of my ALL TIME FAVORITE series. I never miss a book (read Harvard's in about 9 hours the other night & bawled my eyes out at the end) and love to re-read them. Thanks for giving us such great characters to love! GFC follower: harlan_michelle(at)yahoo(dot)com

First, thank you for the VERY generous giveaway! I'm such a HUGE fan...I LOVE this series and have read EVERY book! I'm anxiously awaiting Darker After Midnight and am sooo happy to hear it's not the end of the series as I had originally heard. I was sooo happy to read Hunters story and that he found his HEA...and am looking forward to reading Mira's story too. How's the hand after signing all those books? :)

Love Lara Adrian!! I'm a little behind on her books so I decided to start reading them all again I'm on "Kiss of Crimson" at the moment :) Great Interview and thanks for the fantastic contest!! :)amiee.ryan@yahoo.com